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Cards on the Table summary
Brief summary
Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie is a classic murder mystery. The enigmatic detective Hercule Poirot must unravel the truth behind a perplexing crime that occurs during a bridge game, where everyone is a potential suspect.
Table of Contents
Cards on the Table
Summary of key ideas
Unusual Gathering and a Mysterious Host
In Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie, we are introduced to the enigmatic Mr. Shaitana, a man who enjoys hosting unusual gatherings. In this particular instance, he invites four sleuths, including the famous Hercule Poirot, to a bridge party. The twist? The other four guests are individuals who have committed murder and gotten away with it.
Shaitana's motive for this peculiar gathering is to observe the behavior of these murderers and the detectives, whom he considers to be his "collectors" and "collectibles" respectively. The evening progresses with a game of bridge, and Shaitana's guests are divided into two groups, playing in separate rooms. Poirot, being the keen observer, notices the subtle interactions and behaviors of everyone present.
A Deadly Revelation
As the bridge game concludes, Shaitana is found dead in his chair, stabbed with a stiletto. The four suspects are the only ones who had access to the room, and each of them had the opportunity to commit the murder. The detectives, including Poirot, are called in to solve the case. They are faced with a unique challenge - the murderer is one of the four people they had been observing all evening.
Each detective is assigned one suspect to investigate. Poirot, with his astute observation skills, is assigned to investigate Mrs. Lorrimer, a quiet and reserved woman. As he delves into her background, he discovers that she had a personal connection to the victim, Mr. Shaitana, and a possible motive for murder.
Unraveling the Truth
As the investigation progresses, Poirot uncovers the secrets and motives of the other suspects as well. He learns about Dr. Roberts' past as a medical practitioner and his involvement in a murder case, Major Despard's military history and his violent tendencies, and Anne Meredith's troubled past and her association with a notorious criminal.
Through his interviews and observations, Poirot pieces together the puzzle. He realizes that the murder was committed by someone who had a deep understanding of human psychology and behavior. The murderer had used the bridge party as a cover to commit the crime and had carefully planned the murder to divert suspicion from themselves.
The Culprit Revealed
In the dramatic climax, Poirot gathers all the suspects and detectives in Shaitana's house and reveals the identity of the murderer. He explains how the murderer had used their knowledge of human behavior to manipulate the situation and commit the perfect crime. The murderer, unable to bear the pressure, confesses to the crime.
In the end, Poirot reflects on the nature of evil and the complexity of human behavior. He acknowledges that while the murderer had succeeded in deceiving everyone for a while, their true nature had eventually been revealed. The novel ends with the detectives leaving the house, having solved the mystery, and the murderer facing the consequences of their actions.
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What is Cards on the Table about?
Cards on the Table is a classic murder mystery novel by Agatha Christie. When a bridge game turns deadly, renowned detective Hercule Poirot is called in to solve the case. With four suspects who all had motives and the evidence laid out on the table, Poirot must use his unparalleled deductive skills to uncover the truth.
Cards on the Table Review
Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie (1936) is a thrilling murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here are three reasons why this book is definitely worth reading:
- With a fascinating premise of a murder committed during a card game, this book offers a unique twist on the classic whodunit genre.
- Christie's masterful character development gives readers a captivating group of suspects, each with their own secrets and motives.
- The suspenseful plot twists and skillful storytelling will ensure that the book is anything but boring, keeping you guessing until the very end.
Who should read Cards on the Table?
- Readers who enjoy classic murder mysteries
- Fans of Agatha Christie’s writing style and complex plots
- Those interested in psychological insights into the minds of suspects and detectives
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Cards on the Table FAQs
What is the main message of Cards on the Table?
The main message of Cards on the Table explores the nature of evil and the limits of justice.
How long does it take to read Cards on the Table?
The reading time for Cards on the Table varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Cards on the Table a good book? Is it worth reading?
Cards on the Table is a captivating read with its intriguing plot and well-developed characters. Definitely worth reading!
Who is the author of Cards on the Table?
Agatha Christie is the author of Cards on the Table.
What to read after Cards on the Table?
If you're wondering what to read next after Cards on the Table, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
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- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda